I've got a few questions about Flite Fest 2026 RC combat

[Skybound Innovation]

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to build an RC plane or drone for RC Combat at Flite Fest 2026, but I haven’t been able to find an official rulebook. Before I start designing the aircraft, I want to make sure I’m staying within the event rules.

Could someone clarify the following?

1. Are multirotors/drones allowed in RC Combat?
2. Are autonomous features allowed? (e.g., stabilization is fine, but what about waypoint navigation or auto‑avoidance?)
3. Is FPV permitted during combat?
4. Are composite materials allowed? (carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.)
5. If FPV isn’t allowed, can I still use onboard sensors like LiDAR or computer vision for risk assessment or trajectory planning, as long as I’m flying LOS?
6. Are VTOL aircraft allowed in the combat event?

Thanks! Just trying to make sure my build fits the rules before I start cutting foam.

 

[AIRFORGE]

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to build an RC plane or drone for RC Combat at Flite Fest 2026, but I haven’t been able to find an official rulebook. Before I start designing the aircraft, I want to make sure I’m staying within the event rules.

Could someone clarify the following?

1. Are multirotors/drones allowed in RC Combat?
2. Are autonomous features allowed? (e.g., stabilization is fine, but what about waypoint navigation or auto‑avoidance?)
3. Is FPV permitted during combat?
4. Are composite materials allowed? (carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.)
5. If FPV isn’t allowed, can I still use onboard sensors like LiDAR or computer vision for risk assessment or trajectory planning, as long as I’m flying LOS?
6. Are VTOL aircraft allowed in the combat event?

Thanks! Just trying to make sure my build fits the rules before I start cutting foam.

No FPV allowed for the entire FF26 event. (Edit: Military base)

 

[LitterBug]

Aerial cameras in general are not permitted this year. Ie, don't put a gopro or any other camera up that could potentially record from the air. Keep it simple. Fly LOS. Levelling/gyros are OK. GPS/RID for model location after an unplanned landing are ok. Combat is meant to be LOS flying skills, not automated. Keep the autonomy turned off. It's OK if it is capable. Don't use it. This isn't Formula1

LB

 

[Skybound Innovation]

No FPV allowed for the entire FF26 event. (Edit: Military base)

Ok, thank you.

 

[Skybound Innovation]

Aerial cameras in general are not permitted this year. Ie, don't put a gopro or any other camera up that could potentially record from the air. Keep it simple. Fly LOS. Levelling/gyros are OK. GPS/RID for model location after an unplanned landing are ok. Combat is meant to be LOS flying skills, not automated. Keep the autonomy turned off. It's OK if it is capable. Don't use it. This isn't Formula1

LB

Thanks for the info.

 

[Merv]

... I want to make sure I’m staying within the event rules...

Combat has 2 rules.

1 Be safe.
2 Hit the other guy before he hits you.

Last one flying wins.

 

[Bricks]

Combat has 2 rules.

1 Be safe.
2 Hit the other guy before he hits you.

Last one flying wins.

The most in depth comprehensive description of flying combat.